Image courtesy of Soho Grand Hotel
To no one’s surprise, New York City is consistently Fora’s top-booked destination. Its convenient direct flights, world-renowned restaurants and fabulous cultural hotspots draw travelers looking for all types of experiences, from posh weekend getaways to family vacations. But finding a hotel that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge.
I’ve done the research and compiled a list of hotels that not only come in under $500 per night (holidays may be more), but also offer stylish rooms, excellent service and convenient locations. Peruse our list, then connect with me and I'll pair you with the perfect NYC hotel for you.
The Roxy
Image courtesy of The Roxy Hotel New York
If you want to experience live music without ever leaving your hotel, The Roxy is the place for you. This hip TriBeCa hotel is home to The Django, a neighborhood haunt for live jazz with a speakeasy vibe. And for movie lovers, the lower level offers a cinema with a rotating roster of films. The open lobby leads into a café, bar and dining space, all within earshot of the resident piano player.
Suites are impressive, with some of the two- and three-bedroom options featuring terraces, but even the entry-level Roxy King is spacious (295 square feet) and decked out with retro-inspired décor. In the rooms, expect amenities galore, including a Smeg mini-fridge, Nespresso coffee maker and Tivoli clock radio.
The Roxy positions guests perfectly to explore SoHo and TriBeCa, with multiple subway stations within a five-minute walk. Don’t miss the iconic Odeon for American bites with French flair, and take time to visit the powerful exhibits at the 9/11 Museum, 15 minutes away by foot.
Fora Reserve perks include a $50 food and beverage credit, continental breakfast for two daily and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Hotel Edison Times Square
Image courtesy of Hotel Edison Times Square
Hotel Edison is right in the thick of bustling Times Square and a convenient choice if you’re seeing a show on nearby Broadway. Multiple subway lines are within a few blocks, and when you need some peace and wide open spaces, Central Park is a 15-minute walk away.
Rooms and suites feature Art Deco wallpaper and streamlined bathrooms, and if you want to splurge, some boast furnished outdoor terraces with city views. Remote workers will appreciate the desks in every room, and other pluses include complimentary wine hours (Tuesday–Friday) and free New York City walking tours.
After a day of exploring the city, you won’t have to go far for a fun night out. The hotel’s restaurant Friedman’s is a favorite with Broadway fans who can hear their favorite tunes sung by the wait staff. Also on site are Bond 45, a laid-back eatery serving classic Italian dishes, and The Rum House, a moody bar with nightly jazz.
Fora Reserve perks include a waived daily destination fee, access to Triumph Wine Hours and historic walking tours, and an upgrade whenever possible.
The Evelyn
Image courtesy of The Evelyn Hotel
Just south of Midtown, The Evelyn is set a block from Madison Square Park. Multiple subway stations are within a couple of blocks, making the rest of Manhattan easily accessible, and the area around the hotel is home to numerous shops and restaurants. Stop by Eataly to peruse its delectable Italian foods, walk down to the weekend farmers’ market at Union Square, or book a ticket to the top of the Empire State Building — each a short walk from the hotel.
Rooms are done in soft pastel and gold tones, echoing the Art Nouveau flair of the common spaces. Some rooms have two beds, and in-room amenities include a minibar, a work desk and bathrobes.
A sister hotel to the Hotel Edison, this spot offers the same fantastic complimentary wine hours and walking tours. The Tusk Bar is adorned with velvets and dark wood furnishings, lending a sultry vibe. Brass is where to go for upscale, gourmet plates and live jazz, and finally, the hotel’s cafe turns out everything from coffee to sandwiches.
Fora Reserve perks include a waived daily destination fee, access to Triumph Wine Hours and historic walking tours, and an upgrade whenever possible.
Soho Grand Hotel
Image courtesy of Soho Grand Hotel
If you want to stay in chic SoHo while having easy access to the rest of Manhattan, the Soho Grand is a great choice. The hotel is located a block from the subway and close to TriBeCa’s trendy dining spots, as well as all of SoHo’s excellent shopping.
Rooms are modern with a touch of nostalgia — leather headboards, brass lamps and bathrooms with black-and-white subway tile. Nice touches include Tivoli bluetooth radios, Nespresso coffee makers and motorized blackout shades.
The lobby’s spacious Grand Bar and Salon is ideal for meeting friends for a drink, while the Club Room invites guests to experience live music in an intimate setting. In addition to a seasonal garden terrace bar, there’s also a laid-back diner for casual bites. Take time to notice the art in all the different spaces, and don’t miss the hotel’s art gallery with rotating exhibits.
GrandLife Grand Select Program perks include daily amenity fee waived, a $50 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
11 Howard
Image courtesy of 11 Howard
On the western edge of SoHo, 11 Howard positions guests perfectly to explore SoHo’s shopping and dining, with the nearby subway putting the rest of the city within reach. Take in some culture by visiting the Banksy Museum, or walk south to see majestic City Hall and its surrounding park.
After a day of exploring the neighborhood, kick back at the blond, the hotel’s sultry bar with velvet banquette seating. Le Coucou serves up high-end French cuisine (be sure to make a reservation), and La Rubia offers casual bites all day long.
Rooms are airy with a neutral palette accented by brushed brass lamps and soft pink blanket throws. Pale hardwood floors lend a Scandinavian feel, and amenities include a minibar, work area and an in-room tablet for connecting with hotel services.
Design Hotels Pro perks include a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel
Image courtesy of Gild Hall, A Thompson Hotel
Gild Hall’s cool vibe is evident right when you step into its lobby, which feels like a lived-in library with tufted leather seating, shelves of books and warm wood floors. The space is a great meetup spot for friends and flows into Felice, a popular bistro-style restaurant with homestyle Tuscan dishes and an impressive wine list. Further delving into the wine experience, La Soffitta is an intimate space for savoring vintages and small bites.
Rooms have a warm, welcoming feel and feature bold leather headboards, brass light fixtures and gray tones, while tiled bathrooms are classic with pedestal sinks and marble floors. Work desks are convenient for remote tasks, and the minibar is well stocked with snacks and drinks.
Tucked on a side street in the Financial District, Gild Hall is a good home base for exploring all that Lower Manhattan offers, like South Street Seaport (foodies should head to the Tin Building), the 9/11 Museum and the ferry to Liberty Island. To reach the Theater District and the rest of Manhattan, grab the subway, just two blocks away.
Hyatt Privé perks include a $50 food and beverage credit, daily breakfast and a welcome amenity.
Splurge worthy: The Standard High Line
Image courtesy of The Standard High Line
Coming in at a slightly higher rate, The Standard High Line is worth the splurge. Ideally located in the Meatpacking District steps from Chelsea Market, the hotel has panoramic Hudson River views, direct access to the High Line and is three blocks from the subway.
Highlights include Le Bain and The Rooftop, which pair a night club vibe with incredible city views. Multiple dining options include a seasonal popup, the year-round Standard Biergarten and The Standard Grill.
All the rooms are flooded with natural light and have a decidedly retro feel, with curved wood finishes, platform beds and floor-to-ceiling windows. Tiled bathrooms are open concept, and upholstered banquettes are perfect for in-room dining or remote working.
The Standard’s Secret Agent perks include a hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
For expert recommendations of what to do and see in NYC, plus access to VIP perks, reach out to me and get started planning your Big Apple getaway.